We have another excellent 3-speaker lineup for you in April where speakers will be discussing your memory, the dark web and how to make a theme song. Come and secure your seat when doors open at 7pm and enjoy a $14 burger/pot Howler special whilst we get into the nerdy learning.

*Presentation 1

The science of forgetting

by Dr Jee Hyun Kim

Forgetting has a bad reputation, but it is a necessary process in our lives that may be just as valuable as remembering. How we forget undergoes transformation across our lifetime, and Dr Kim will unravel what we do know about forgetting and what role it plays in anxiety and addiction disorders.

*Presentation 2

Music and mythology, Einstein and Astrology

by Phil Paschke

Now, this is the story all about how Nerd Nite got flipped-turned upside down and I'd like to take twenty minutes - just sit right there - I'll tell you how I came up with a theme that's so square. In a presentation that's half music history, half music theory, and half pop culture revelry (and one third math), I'll show you how the Nerd Nite Melbourne Theme Song might just be one of the nerdiest tunes out there. From Dr. Who to Doogie Howser, M.D., learn about the subtle and not-so-subtle geek references in this piece through an exploration of TV Themes that have been stuck in your head since the 80s.

*Presentation 3

The Dark Web

by Assoc Prof James Martin

Over the past 8 years, illicit drugs have increasingly been bought and sold on the encrypted 'darknet'. This has alarmed many, particularly in the news media, who regularly describe the cryptomarkets through which these drugs are sold as the internet's version of the 'Wild West' or the digital equivalent of Mos Eisley Spaceport. But is the hype true? Are drugs sold on the darknet as big a threat to public safety as we are led to believe? Interestingly, research in this area increasingly says 'no'. This presentation looks at the reasons why and explores how darknet drug dealing may actually be a good thing.